Exhaust valve assembly for a bottle attachment apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exhaust valve assembly for a bottle attachment apparatus for handling liquids has a valve housing which forms a valve chamber having an inlet and an outlet, an exhaust valve body disposed on the inlet in the valve chamber, and a safety valve body disposed on the outlet in the valve chamber. The exhaust valve body is biased toward an exhaust valve seat, counter to the flow direction of the liquid and the safety valve body is biased toward a safety valve seat in the flow direction of the liquid. The safety valve seat is integrally molded on the valve housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an exhaust valve assembly for a bottleattachment apparatus for handling liquids, to an exhaust line assembly,to a valve block assembly, and to a bottle attachment apparatus forhandling liquids.

2. Description of Related Art

In the case of bottle attachment apparatuses for handling liquids, thefocus is on precisely measuring and conveying liquids from a storagebottle or another storage container, wherein precise measuring isperformed when a partial volume of liquid is received from the storagebottle or similar into the apparatus and/or when a partial volume ofliquid is externally dispensed from the apparatus into a container.

Bottle attachment apparatuses of the type being discussed are inparticular bottle attachment dispensers and burettes. Bottle attachmentapparatuses of this type are widely used in chemical, biological, andpharmaceutical laboratories and production facilities.

The term “liquid” in the present context preferably refers to liquids asare used in chemical, biological, and pharmaceutical laboratories andproduction facilities etc. These are preferably liquids having arelative viscosity of up to about 300 (viscosity relative to theviscosity of water, measured at normal conditions). In colloquial terms,the liquids are thus preferably those in the range of very low viscosityto slightly viscous.

In the case of bottle attachment apparatuses of the type beingdiscussed, high requirements are set for volume accuracy of liquidintake and/or liquid dispensation, and for operator safety. The bottleattachment apparatuses are usually operated manually or are driven by anactuator.

A typical example of a bottle attachment apparatus in the form of abottle top dispenser is known from European Patent Application EP 0 542241 A2. The present invention proceeds from this prior art. For bottleattachment apparatus in the form of bottle top dispensers, reference ismade to European Patent Application EP 0 542 241 A2, the entire contentof which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In an exemplary manner, a bottle attachment apparatus in the form of aburet is known from European Patent Application EP 2 799 141 A2 andcorresponding U.S. Pat. No. 8,142,738 B2. A bottle attachment apparatusin the form of burette has many construction details in common with abottle attachment apparatus in the foam of a bottle top dispenser. Alsoto this extent, reference is made to European Patent Application EP 2799 141 A2 and corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 8,142,738 B2 the entireextent content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Here and hereunder, a bottle attachment apparatus is always described inthe operating position thereof, that is to say in the position thereofwhen fastened to a storage bottle or similar, and when aligned in asubstantially vertical manner. A valve block assembly for such a bottleattachment apparatus is also described in a corresponding manner, thatis to say likewise in the operating position thereof, that is to saywhen installed in a bottle attachment apparatus in the operatingposition thereof.

A substantial component part of a bottle attachment apparatus of thetype being discussed is the cylinder-and-piston assembly with the aid ofwhich the liquid may be suctioned and exhausted again. Thecylinder-and-piston assembly has a cylinder which defines a longitudinaldirection, and a piston which is guided in a sealed manner in thecylinder so as to be longitudinally displaceable. The direction ofmovement of the piston in the operating position of the bottleattachment apparatus is oriented so as to be vertical, in the followingthus defining the vertical direction.

In the event of an upward movement of the piston in the cylinder, theliquid is suctioned by forming negative pressure in the cylinder. In theevent of a downward movement, the liquid in the cylinder is exhaustedagain from the cylinder. The flow of the liquid during suctioning, onthe one hand, and during exhausting, on the other hand, is directed byvalves of the valve block assembly. The cylinder-and-piston assembly isconnected in a sealing manner to the valve block assembly and to thelines which are located therein. The valve block assembly as such inturn is attached onto the storage bottle or similar with the aid of afastening assembly.

An intake valve which allows liquid to be suctioned from the storagebottle by means of an intake pipe is located in the valve block of thevalve block assembly. The intake pipe, most often in the form of aplug-fitted tube, extends deeply downward into the storage bottle. Anexhaust line extends away from the valve block in an approximatelyhorizontal manner. An exhaust valve sits in the exhaust line or in thevalve block, so as to be at the beginning of the exhaust line. In someinstances, an additional switching valve by way of which a return flowline leading back into the storage bottle may be opened or closed sitsso as to be upstream of the exhaust line.

At the opening from which the liquid exits, the exhaust line may have aclosure.

Since the exhaust line protrudes from the valve block in anapproximately horizontal manner and the previously discussed switchingvalve also often sits there, this is the side from where an operatorworks on the bottle attachment apparatus. This side may be referred toas the “front side” of the bottle attachment apparatus. The oppositeside is the “rear side” of the bottle attachment apparatus. In the caseof an electronic design embodiment of a bottle attachment apparatus, adisplay having corresponding operating elements is preferably located onthe front side of the bottle attachment apparatus.

The fastening assembly for fastening the external housing and/or thevalve block assembly of the bottle attachment apparatus onto a storagebottle or similar is often a thread assembly which is similar to a unionnut, or is an internal thread which is incorporated into the valve blockper se, for screwing onto the external thread on a bottleneck of thestorage bottle (see the prior art mentioned at the outset). However, inprinciple other fastening assemblies, such as bayonet systems orshort-stroke collets are likewise employable, as are systems of the typeof a taper-ground joint, which are usual in laboratories.

The present focus is on the region of the exhaust valve in the contextof an exhaust valve assembly for a bottle attachment apparatus of thetype being discussed, but also the further region downstream of theexhaust valve, that is to say in the region of an exhaust line assemblyincluding the exhaust line, up to the tip thereof.

In the prior art from which the present invention proceeds (GermanPatent Application DE 36 07 139 A1), a respective exhaust valve assemblycomprises a valve housing which fauns a valve chamber having a inlet andan outlet. An exhaust valve body, which together with an exhaust valveseat which is likewise disposed there collectively forms the exhaustvalve, is disposed on the inlet in the valve chamber. An additionalsafety valve body, which together with a safety valve seat which isdisposed on the outlet forms an additional safety valve, is located atthe outlet of the valve chamber of the valve housing. The safety valvehas the task of preventing liquid from inadvertently leaking when theconnector end of the exhaust line is pulled away from the exhaust valveassembly.

The connector end of the exhaust line, counter to a spring force, liftsthe safety valve body from the safety valve seat at the outlet of thevalve housing of the exhaust valve assembly and opens the flow path intothe exhaust line. The connector end at the end side is provided in anencircling manner with preferably a plurality of openings, such that theliquid which flows around the valve body of the safety valve which hasbeen lifted from the valve seat may radially flow into the connectorend. For details of this construction reference is made to German PatentApplication DE 36 07 139 A1.

In the case of the known exhaust valve assembly, the safety valve seatfor the safety valve body is disposed on a valve bushing which isinserted in a sealing manner at the outlet of the valve housing. Sealingbetween this valve bushing and the valve housing is at times an issue.Moreover, the entry point of the connector end of the exhaust line is aregion which is problematic in terms of leakages. Here, bendingmomentums which contribute to the connector end occasionally beingloosened in the outlet of the valve housing arise during handling.

Downstream of the exhaust valve, a bottle attachment apparatus of thetype being discussed has an exhaust line assembly. The exhaust lineassembly includes at least the exhaust line, preferably also a mountsupporting the exhaust line, and moreover in the case of a bottleattachment apparatus having return dosing, the switching valve which hasbeen discussed in detail at the outset. If a switching valve is present,the exhaust line is connected downstream to the switching valve, while aconnector end which is plug-fittable into the outlet of the valvehousing or is push-fittable onto said outlet, and a return flowconnector which is plug-fittable into a return flow inlet of the valveblock or is push-fittable onto said return flow inlet are disposed onthe switching valve, so as to be upstream thereof. So in the prior artthe exhaust line assembly of a bottle attachment apparatus having aswitching valve looks different from the exhaust line assembly in thecase of a bottle attachment apparatus without a switching valve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided an exhaust valve assemblyfor a bottle attachment apparatus for handling liquids, wherein thebottle attachment apparatus has a cylinder-and-piston assembly forsuctioning and exhausting liquid, a valve block assembly, optionally anexternal housing receiving the valve block assembly, and a fasteningassembly for fastening the external housing and/or the valve blockassembly on a storage bottle or the like, wherein the valve blockassembly has a valve block and an exhaust valve assembly, and the valveblock preferably has a valve receptacle which is assigned to the exhaustvalve assembly, wherein the exhaust valve assembly has a valve housingwhich forms a valve chamber having an inlet and an outlet, and whichpreferably is insertable into the valve receptacle in a replaceable andsealing manner, an exhaust valve body which is disposed on the inlet inthe valve chamber, and a safety valve body which is disposed on theoutlet in the valve chamber, wherein the exhaust valve body is biasedtoward an exhaust valve seat, counter to the flow direction of theliquid from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the safety valve body isbiased toward a safety valve seat, in the flow direction of the liquidfrom the inlet to the outlet, and wherein the safety valve body iscapable of being lifted off the safety valve seat by plugging aconnector end of a line to be connected into the outlet of the valvehousing, and wherein the safety valve seat is integrally molded on thevalve housing.

In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a double-sided actiontension spring for both valve bodies.

In a preferred embodiment, the valve bodies are embodied as valve balls.

It is provided that the safety valve seat is integrally molded on thevalve housing. On account thereof, a sealing point which duringoperation often appears to be problematic is systematically eliminated.In particular in the case of the disassembled connector end of the lineto be connected, in particular in the case of the exhaust line, pressurepeaks arise in the valve block and in the valve housing of the exhaustvalve assembly during sudden piston movements, but in the present caseonly impact on the sealing point between the safety valve body and thesafety valve seat. In this case, the safety valve body in the event ofsuch pressure peaks is even more intensely pushed onto the safety valveseat, this being a self-reinforcing seal. On account of the constructionaccording to the invention, an external seal between the valve bushingand the valve housing, which is present in the prior art, has beendispensed with.

The above-described teaching of the invention functions with a connectorend of a line which is to be directly connected, in particular of theexhaust line, but likewise functions with a connector end of a shortline which as such is part of a switching valve disposed downstream ofthe exhaust valve. The connector end of the line to be connected may inprinciple be of no particular design embodiment. However, the connectorend may also be a specially tailored end of the line to be connected,provided for example with a specially designed connector bushing orsimilar. The same correspondingly applies to the line section and theconnector end thereof, which is formed by the short line on theswitching valve or similar.

On the inlet side of the valve housing, the valve housing could simplybe open, and the exhaust valve seat could be located on the valve blockof the valve block assembly. However, in order for the exhaust valveassembly as such to be designed in a manageable way, it is recommendedthat the exhaust valve seat is disposed on a valve bushing which isinserted in a sealing manner at the inlet of the valve housing.

In terms of construction, it is furthermore recommended that the outletof the valve housing is configured as a rotation-symmetrical port, thesafety valve seat being located at the inner end thereof. Thisrotation-symmetric port may interact with corresponding portions at theconnector end of the line to be connected, so as to achieve improvedsealing. This will be covered further below.

The exhaust valve assembly in the assembled state must be insertable ina well sealing manner in the valve receptacle on the valve block of thevalve block assembly also on the inlet side of the valve housing. Here,the solutions which are favored in the state of the art may be chosen.

However, if the system is to be further improved and opening and closingof the safety valve by way of an exhaust valve assembly to be designedin a functionally more reliable manner, it is recommended that the valvehousing has a stop portion, a fastening portion which is distincttherefrom, and a sealing portion which is distinct from both the former.This is particularly expedient when the valve housing and the exhaustline assembly are in each case disposed on or fastened to the valveblock, respectively. In the prior art, the fastening portion on thevalve housing in the case of a valve housing which is inserted bypress-fitting is normally the cylindrical sleeve face, or an externalthread disposed on the cylinder sleeve, which engages with an internalthread on an internal wall of the valve receptacle, respectively.According to the invention, however, the stop portion and the fasteningportion are supplemented on the valve housing by a sealing portion whichis distinct from both the former. As opposed to the prior art in whichthe end stop portion achieves the sealing effect of the valve housing inthe valve receptacle, the sealing effect in the case of the exhaustvalve assembly according to the invention is substantially achieved bymeans of the distinct sealing portion.

In the case of an exhaust valve assembly which is installed in afunctionally correct manner, the fastening portions of the valve housingand of the valve receptacle are in force-transmitting mutual engagementin such a manner that both the stop portions as well as the sealingportions thereof bear on one another in a planar manner.

The above-discussed construction utilizes minimal static redundantdimensioning on account of the stop portions in conjunction with thesealing portions. The sealing portions, when bearing on one another, aredeformed for so long and thus in only a minimal manner, until the stopportions also bear on one another.

The stop portion on the valve housing of the exhaust valve assembly(like the corresponding stop portion on the valve receptacle in thevalve block of the valve block assembly), typically runs so as to besubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by thevalve housing. The stop portion may also run so as to slightly deviatefrom the perpendicular angle in relation to the longitudinal axis. Tothis extent, a deviation of 10° in relation to the perpendicular angleshould preferably not be exceeded.

According to the invention, there is preferably no additional sealingelement on the stop portion. If the valve housing is inserted into thevalve receptacle, the mutually assigned stop portions bear on oneanother in a planar manner. The mutual mating of the stop portionspredefines the fixed point for insertion. The dimensions of the valvehousing of the exhaust valve assembly, on the one hand, and of the valvereceptacle, on the other hand, are set such that in this state thesealing portions also bear on one another in a planar manner. On accountthereof, a large sealing face in the direction of the longitudinal axisresults.

The particularities of the sealing of valve inserts in valve receptacleson a valve block assembly for a bottle attachment apparatus of the typebeing discussed are the subject matter of a simultaneously filedapplication by the applicant.

Presently, a few interesting aspects of the assembly for an exhaustvalve assembly according to the present invention are to be discussed inconjunction with a valve receptacle on the valve block of the valveblock assembly. This is not to be understood as limiting. Thisdiscussion only serves to improve understanding. The subject matter ofthe claims here, however, is primarily the exhaust valve assembly assuch, having the features which are relevant to this exhaust valveassembly.

The exhaust valve assembly according to the invention guarantees areliable sealing function at a low compression force which is to beapplied by the fastening portions, wherein additional sealing may bedispensed with. In particular, in the case of the construction accordingto the invention it is not required that the valve housing is removed orreleased prior to autoclaving. Distributing the functions acrossdistinct portions leads to the degrees of freedom required for beingable to consider deformation of the plastics during autoclaving.

The preferred construction in the case of the exhaust valve assemblyaccording to the invention is such that the stop portion on the valvehousing is disposed on the front end of the valve housing that islocated in the valve receptacle, that the sealing portion is disposed inthe direction of the opposite, rear end of the valve housing andadjoining the stop portion, and the fastening portion is disposed in thedirection of the rear end of the valve housing, so as to adjoin thesealing portion.

As an alternative, the stop portion on the valve housing may also bemoved so as to be between the sealing portion and the fastening portion,or even so as to be entirely up front, even ahead of the fasteningportion. However, the previously mentioned variant has the advantagethat the stop portions which bear on one another in a planar manneralready fulfill a sealing function.

The indication of a portion being disposed so as to “adjoin” anotherportion may preferably mean that they are directly adjoining, However,this indication is not limited to this understanding. In principle it isalso possible for certain spacings to be present between the portions,in a certain sense thus “intermediate portions”, which are irrelevant inthe context of the invention.

If the system is to be improved in an alternative manner or by apreferred arrangement of the sealing portions, it is recommended thatthe sealing portions in relation to the longitudinal axis are aligned atan acute angle, preferably at an angle between 1° and 20°, particularlypreferably at an angle between 2° and 10°. The sealing portions thus donot run parallel with the longitudinal axis, so that the compressionforce which is relevant to the sealing effect may be only radiallyaligned, but the former run so as to be slightly inclined in relation tothe longitudinal axis. On account thereof, an adequate radial effect offorce on the sealing portions may be implemented by a force componentwhich acts in the direction of the longitudinal axis. In this way, thesealing portions acquire their optimum sealing effect, while radialcompression of the plastics material in the sealing portions, on accountof the stop effect thereof, positions the valve housing in the valveblock.

Proceeding from one preferred variant having a valve housing which inrelation to the longitudinal axis is rotation-symmetrical, the sealingportions in the above-discussed concept are configured in atruncated-cone shape.

However, in principle the valve housing and the associated valvereceptacle may also be embodied so as not to be rotation-symmetrical;this would lead to a prismatic design of the sealing portions.

According to a further preferred constructional variant, it may beprovided that the angle of the sealing portion on the valve receptaclein relation to the longitudinal axis is up to 2.5° larger than the angleof the sealing portion on the valve housing. In this way, the sealingportion on the valve housing initially impacts the sealing portion onthe valve receptacle only by way of linear contact. If force is exertedby the fastening portions in the direction of the longitudinal axis, thelinear contact by way of deformation of the sealing portions istransformed into a planar contact. In the course of time, accelerated inparticular by high temperatures as in autoclaving, successive completionof the planar contact and thus reliable sealing across the sealingportions is performed.

The term “bearing on one another in a planar manner” thus does not meanthat the sealing portions bear on one another across the full area fromthe outset. Rather, the extent of the faces of the sealing portionswhich bear on one another may be enlarged under the influence ofpressure and temperature, until bearing of the sealing portions on oneanother across the entire area is achieved.

Insofar as manufacturing of the exhaust valve assembly is concerned, inany case manufacturing by the plastics injection molding method ispredominantly recommended, specifically and expediently usingfluoropolymers. At least one component which is composed of anothermaterial, potentially of a metallic material which is suitable orsuitably finished for the liquids to the handled, is located in theexhaust valve assembly by way of the spring element which is most oftenpresent.

The construction of the valve block assembly according to the inventionis of particular interest if the plastics of the mutually interactingcomponents are selected and mutually adapted so as to guarantee targeteddeformation of the mutually interacting components on the faces whichcome to bear on one another. To this extent, it has proven expedient forboth the plastics of the valve block as well as the plastics of theexhaust valve assembly to have a tensile strength in excess of 12 MPa at120° C. (EN ISO 12086). It is particularly preferable here for theplastics of the valve block to have a tensile strength (EN ISO 12086,measured at 23° C.) which is higher by 40% to 100% than the plastics ofthe exhaust valve assembly (see also the general catalog of theapplicant BRAND (“Gesamtkatalog 900” [General catalog 900], June 2013,pp. 334-341).

Up to this point, with reference to the teaching of the invention, nofurther discussion pertaining to the design of the fastening portionshas taken place. It is recommended that the fastening portions aredesigned such that a defined effect of force may be achieved. Here, thedesign embodiment of the fastening portions as mutually engaging screwthread portions is particularly preferable. A bayonet connection, ashort-stroke clamping connection, or a stopper-type connection are alsoconceivable. However, the design embodiment of the fastening portions asa screw connection allows the exhaust valve assembly to be inserted intothe valve receptacle in a particularly sensitive manner, up to the stopof the stop portions which is clearly perceivable during screwing-in.

In order for fastening portions which are embodied as mutually engagingscrew thread portions to be actuated, it is recommended according to onefurther preferred teaching of the invention that an actuation portionhaving force-engaging elements for actuating this fastening portion isdisposed on the valve housing, so as to adjoin the fastening portion. Byway of these force-engaging elements which are suitable for a hand tool,a torque may be transmitted to the mutually engaging fastening portions.

Preferably, a stop for the connector end of the line to be connected mayalso be provided so as to adjoin the fastening portion on the valvehousing, such that the connector end in the direction of thelongitudinal axis cannot be plugged to any arbitrary extent into theoutlet of the valve housing. This, too, will be discussed furtherhereunder.

According to an independent teaching of the invention, the previouslydemonstrated issue pertaining to optimization is also solved by anexhaust line assembly for a bottle attachment apparatus for handlingliquids, wherein the bottle attachment apparatus has acylinder-and-piston assembly for suctioning and exhausting liquid, avalve block assembly, optionally an external housing receiving the valveblock assembly, and a fastening assembly for fastening the externalhousing and/or the valve block assembly on a storage bottle or the like,wherein the valve block assembly has a valve block and an exhaust valveassembly, and the valve block preferably has a valve receptacle which isassigned to the exhaust valve assembly, and wherein a return flow ductwhich terminates in a return flow inlet is provided in the valve block;wherein the exhaust valve assembly has a valve housing which forms avalve chamber having an inlet and an outlet, and which preferably isinsertable into the valve receptacle of the valve block in a replaceableand sealing manner, wherein the exhaust line assembly has an exhaustline, wherein the exhaust line assembly has a switching valve which inthe flow direction of the liquid is disposed upstream of the exhaustline and to which the exhaust line is connected downstream, and in whicha connector end which is plug-fittable into the outlet of the valvehousing or is push-fittable onto said outlet, and a return flowconnector which is plug-fittable into the return flow inlet of the valveblock or is push-fittable onto said return flow inlet are disposed onthe switching valve, so as to be upstream thereof, or wherein theexhaust line assembly has a line adaptor which in the flow direction ofthe liquid is disposed upstream of the exhaust line and to which theexhaust line is connected downstream, and in which a connector end whichis plug-fittable into the outlet of the valve housing or ispush-fittable onto said outlet, and a return flow connector which isplug-fittable into the return flow inlet of the valve block or ispush-fittable onto said return flow inlet are disposed on the lineadaptor, so as to be upstream thereof, wherein the connector end in theline adaptor is connected to the exhaust line which is connecteddownstream, and wherein the return flow connector is embodied as aclosed blind connector by way of which the return flow inlet of thevalve block is closable.

This exhaust line assembly may particularly preferably be employed inconjunction with an exhaust valve assembly according to the invention ofthe above-described construction, but need not be used in conjunctiontherewith.

The exhaust line assembly according to the invention is the functiongroup of a bottle attachment apparatus of the type being discussed,which is located so as to be downstream of the exhaust valve or of theexhaust valve assembly, respectively. In any case, an exhaust line mustbe assigned to the exhaust line assembly.

Preferably, a cantilever-type mount which is attachable to the externalhousing and/or the valve block assembly and is preferably designed so asto be angular, in which the exhaust line for the liquid is disposed andguided, is also assigned thereto. Such a mount is often also referred toas a cannula mount.

The switching valve which has already been discussed above is thenlocated in an exhaust line assembly of the above-described construction,when the latter is a bottle attachment apparatus having return dosing.Said switching valve in the flow direction of the liquid lies ahead ofthe exhaust line, and the exhaust line is connected to this switchingvalve so as to be downstream thereof. The exhaust line may be opened orclosed by means of the switching valve. The connector end of the line tobe connected, which here is only the line piece up to the switchingvalve, and which connector piece has already been repeatedly discussed,is located upstream on the switching valve. Moreover, a return flowconnector which is plug-fittable into a return flow inlet of the valveblock, or is push-fittable thereon, is located upstream on the switchingvalve. Said return flow connector communicates with a return flow ductin the valve block and with a return flow line which leads into thestorage bottle.

According to the invention it is furthermore provided that, in the caseof there being no switching valve located in the exhaust line assembly,there is nevertheless a component inserted, which in terms of thevarious connections performs in the same manner as the switching valve.According to the invention, there is a line adaptor which is disposedahead of the exhaust line in the flow direction of the liquid, and towhich the exhaust line is connected downstream. Like the switchingvalve, the line adaptor has a connector end upstream which isplug-fittable into the outlet of the valve housing or is push-fittablethereon, and a return flow connector which is plug-fittable into thereturn flow inlet of the valve block or is push-fittable thereon.However, as opposed to the switching valve, the connector end in theline adaptor is connected to the exhaust line which is connecteddownstream and is thus not switchable, and the return flow connector isembodied so as to be closed off such that said return flow connectorcloses off the return flow inlet of the valve block when the exhaustline assembly is attached to the valve block assembly.

According to the invention the above-discussed construction has theadvantage that the valve block assembly may be used independently of aswitching valve being employed or not. Insofar as the connectors areconcerned, the line adaptor substitutes for the switching valve; likethe switching valve, said line adaptor is a single component whichcollectively forms the counterpart for both connectors on the valveblock, that is to say the outlet and the return flow inlet.

It applies to all embodiments according to the invention that theconnector end is plug-fittable in a sealing manner into the outlet ofthe valve housing, and when plug-fitted extends up to the safety valveseat in such a manner that the valve body is lifted from the safetyvalve seat.

It also applies to the further embodiments hereunder of an exhaust lineassembly according to the invention in preferred design embodiments thatthe connector end mentioned here may both be located directly on anexhaust line as well as on a line piece on the respective side of aswitching valve or of a line adaptor of the type discussed earlier.

Operator friendliness, in particular in the context of durable sealing,may also be optimized at that end of the valve housing which is assignedto the outlet. To this end, the outlet of the valve housing there may beembodied as a rotation-symmetrical port. The safety valve seat islocated at the inner end of the port.

According to a further and independent teaching of the invention, in thecase of a matching exhaust line assembly the connector end of the lineto be connected (optionally also in the form of a line piece which isdisposed on the switching valve or on the line adaptor) is designed in aparticular manner.

In so far as an exhaust line assembly for a bottle attachment apparatusfor handling liquids is provided, the bottle attachment apparatus has acylinder-and-piston assembly for suctioning and exhausting liquid, avalve block assembly, optionally an external housing receiving theexternal and/or the valve block assembly, and a fastening assembly forfastening the external housing and/or the valve block assembly on astorage bottle or the like, wherein the valve block assembly has a valveblock and an exhaust valve assembly, and the valve block has a valvereceptacle which is assigned to the exhaust valve assembly, wherein theexhaust valve assembly has a valve housing which forms a valve chamberhaving an inlet and an outlet, and which preferably is insertable in thevalve receptacle of the valve block in an replaceable and sealingmanner, wherein the exhaust line assembly has an exhaust line, whereinthe exhaust line assembly furthermore has a connector end of a line tobe connected, which is plug-fittable in a sealing manner into the outletof the valve housing of the exhaust valve assembly or is push-fittableonto said outlet, wherein the connector end is provided with a supportcollar which surrounds this connector end and which surrounds theconnector end, preferably in a concentric manner, and wherein, in thecase of an assembled exhaust line assembly, a port which is formed bythe outlet of the valve housing is located between the connector end andthe support collar surrounding the latter.

On account of the support collar, joining the connector end into theoutlet becomes more reliable. Moreover, the external contour of theconnector end, which is provided as a sealing face, is protected againstdamage by the surrounding support collar. To this end, the supportcollar at the end side and so as to be oriented upstream preferablyprotrudes beyond the connector end. This is of particular advantagesince end-side openings on the connector end under certain circumstancescause the end thereof to become relatively unstable. The support collaris thus tried and tested protection for the sensitive connector end ofthe line to be connected.

In the case of an assembled exhaust line assembly, a port which isformed by the outlet of the valve housing is located between theconnector end and the support collar surrounding the latter. This is astable and expedient assembly by way of which sealing between theconnector end and the port is also improved.

In order to further improve sealing, it may be provided that radiallyencircling sealing beads are molded externally on the connector end.

The support collar may be utilized for further functions. For example,the support collar, preferably on a grading, may have a longitudinalstop which interacts with the stop on the valve housing, which has beenmentioned further above, so as to delimit the insertion path of theconnector end in relation to the valve housing.

Overall, it may be recommended that the support collar is longer thanthe connector end as such. Said support collar in this way encloses thevalve housing along a comparatively long stretch, and leads to optimalpositioning of either the exhaust line as such or of the respectiveinlet port of the switching valve, in particular also while consideringtilting and/or bending momentums which arise during operation.

The subject matter of the invention is also a valve block assembly for abottle attachment apparatus for handling liquids, wherein the bottleattachment apparatus has a cylinder-and-piston assembly for suctioningand exhausting liquid, a valve block assembly, optionally an externalhousing receiving the valve block assembly, and a fastening assembly forfastening the external housing and/or the valve block assembly on astorage bottle or the like, wherein the valve block assembly has a valveblock and an exhaust valve assembly, and the valve block has a valvereceptacle which is assigned to the exhaust valve assembly, wherein theexhaust valve assembly has a valve housing which forms a valve chamberhaving an inlet and an outlet, and which is insertable into the valvereceptacle of the valve block in a replaceable and sealing manner,wherein the valve housing has a stop portion, a fastening portion whichis distinct therefrom, and a sealing portion which is distinct from boththe former, wherein the valve receptacle assigned to the exhaust valveassembly has stop portions, fastening portions, and sealing portionsmatching the stop portions, fastening portions, and sealing portions ofthe valve housing, and wherein the fastening portions are inforce-transmitting mutual engagement in such a manner that both the stopportions as well as the sealing portions bear on one another in a planarmanner.

In a preferred modification thereof the valve receptacle and the valvehousing define a longitudinal axis, and the angle of the sealing portionon the valve receptacle in relation to the longitudinal axis is up to2.5° larger than the angle of the sealing portion on the valve housingin relation to the longitudinal axis.

Further there may be provided an improvement, wherein both the valveblock and the exhaust valve assembly are at least largely composed ofplastics suitable for treatment in an autoclave.

As to this valve block assembly all the other features that are optionalwith relation to a valve block assembly, may be provided as well.

Finally, a bottle attachment apparatus for handling liquids as such isthe subject matter of the invention as well.

In such a bottle attachment apparatus, an exhaust valve assemblyaccording to the invention can be combined with an exhaust line assemblyaccording to the invention and/or with a valve block assembly accordingto the invention.

This relates in particular to the mutual design and adaptation of thestop portions, fastening portions, and sealing portions. This hasalready been discussed in detail above, so that reference may be made tothe explanations there.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, there isprovided a bottle attachment apparatus for handling liquids, having acylinder-and-piston assembly for suctioning and exhausting liquid, avalve block assembly, optionally an external housing receiving the valveblock assembly, and a fastening assembly for fastening the externalhousing and/or the valve block assembly on a storage bottle or the like,wherein the valve block assembly has a valve block and an exhaust valveassembly, and the valve block has a valve receptacle which is assignedto the exhaust valve assembly, wherein the exhaust valve assembly has avalve housing which forms a valve chamber having an inlet and an outlet,and which is insertable into the valve receptacle in a replaceable andsealing manner, an exhaust valve body which is disposed on the inlet inthe valve chamber, and a safety valve body which is disposed on theoutlet in the valve chamber, the exhaust valve body is biased toward anexhaust valve seat, counter to the flow direction of the liquid from theinlet to the outlet, the safety valve body is biased toward a safetyvalve seat, in the flow direction of the liquid from the inlet to theoutlet, and the safety valve body is capable of being lifted off thesafety valve seat by plugging a connector end of a line to be connectedinto the outlet of the valve housing, and the safety valve seat isintegrally molded on the valve housing, and/or wherein the exhaust valveassembly of the bottle attachment apparatus has a valve housing whichforms a valve chamber having an inlet and an outlet, and which isinsertable into the valve receptacle of the valve block in a replaceableand sealing manner, and there is provided an exhaust line assembly withan exhaust line, the exhaust line assembly has a switching valve whichin the flow direction of the liquid is disposed upstream of the exhaustline and to which the exhaust line is connected downstream, and in whicha connector end which is plug-fittable into the outlet of the valvehousing or is push-fittable onto said outlet, and a return flowconnector which is plug-fittable into the return flow inlet of the valveblock or is push-fittable onto said return flow inlet are disposed onthe switching valve, so as to be upstream thereof, or wherein theexhaust line assembly has a line adaptor which in the flow direction ofthe liquid is disposed upstream of the exhaust line and to which theexhaust line is connected downstream, and in which a connector end whichis plug-fittable into the outlet of the valve housing or ispush-fittable onto said outlet, and a return flow connector which isplug-fittable into the return flow inlet of the valve block or ispush-fittable onto said return flow inlet are disposed on the lineadaptor, so as to be upstream thereof, wherein the connector end in theline adaptor is connected to the exhaust line which is connecteddownstream, and wherein the return flow connector is embodied as aclosed blind connector by way of which the return flow inlet of thevalve block is closable, and/or wherein the exhaust valve assembly has avalve housing which forms a valve chamber having an inlet and an outlet,and which is insertable into the valve receptacle of the valve block ina replaceable and sealing manner, wherein the valve housing has a stopportion, a fastening portion which is distinct therefrom, and a sealingportion which is distinct from both the former, the valve receptacleassigned to the exhaust valve assembly has stop portions, fasteningportions, and sealing portions matching the stop portions, fasteningportions, and sealing portions of the valve housing, and the fasteningportions are in force-transmitting mutual engagement in such a mannerthat both the stop portions as well as the sealing portions bear on oneanother in a planar manner.

According to one further preferred teaching, the bottle attachmentapparatus according to the invention may furthermore be designed in thatthe exhaust line assembly is attached to the valve block assembly and/orto the external housing in a replaceable manner and forwardly protrudesfrom the valve block assembly and/or from the external housing, that theexhaust line assembly has a cantilever-type mount and an exhaust linewhich is disposed and guided in the mount, and that the mount isreleasably attached, preferably by means of a form-fitting connection,to the valve block assembly and/or to the external housing. On accountof the mount being attached directly to the valve block assembly and/orto the external housing, in particular when this attaching isestablished by means of a form-fitting connection, the bending momentumswhich unavoidably arise during handling of the bottle attachmentapparatus are kept away from the actual fluid connections.

If the bottle attachment apparatus is equipped with a switching valve,it is recommended that the mount is also connected to the switchingvalve, in particular in a form-fitting manner. The mount here forms thestays, such that respective fluid connections between the switchingvalve and valve block assembly may also be largely kept free of bendingforces.

According to one preferred teaching, it furthermore applies to theexhaust line assembly according to the invention that the mount of theexhaust line assembly is connected to the switching valve or to the lineadaptor in a form-fitting manner but also in a movable and preferablyreleasable manner, wherein the mount in relation to the switching valveor to the line adaptor is preferably attachable in two verticallydissimilar positions, namely in an upper position in which the mount isdisplaceable up to the external housing, and a lower position in whichthe mount is connected to the external housing so as to be form-fittingin the horizontal direction.

The switching valve which is a prerequisite in this case, or the lineadaptor which instead of the former is present according to theinvention, serves as a connection to the mount which to this extentconsequently may also be embodied in an identical manner for exhaustline assemblies with or without a switching valve.

The invention will be explained in more detail in the following withreference to the accompanying drawings which merely illustrate preferredexemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a bottle attachment apparatus for handling liquids, in theform of a bottle attachment dispenser, in a perspective view;

FIG. 2 shows a bottle attachment apparatus in a view corresponding tothat of FIG. 1, but without a switching valve;

FIG. 3 shows the bottle attachment apparatus of FIG. 1 in a sectionalview;

FIG. 4 shows the region of the exhaust valve assembly and of the mountof the bottle attachment apparatus of a preferred embodiment having aswitching valve in a partial and enlarged view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows an assembly without a switching valve, but having a lineadaptor, in a partial illustration corresponding to FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows the bottle attachment apparatus of FIG. 1, with the mountremoved, in a perspective view from the rear; and

FIG. 7 shows the bottle attachment apparatus of FIG. 6, in a perspectiveview from the front.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show preferred exemplary embodiments of a bottleattachment apparatus 1 according to the invention for handling liquids,herein in the form of a bottle top dispenser.

In general terms, in respect of bottle attachment apparatus for handlingliquids, i.e., so-called “liquid handling” apparatuses, reference may bemade to the general catalog of the applicant (BRAND general catalog 900[June 2013]). Bottle attachment apparatus of the type being discussedare comprehensively explained therein in terms of construction andapplication. Moreover, in respect of bottle attachment apparatuses ofthe type being discussed, reference may also be made to the sources ofthe prior art, as stated at the outset.

The definitions pertaining to top and bottom, and to front and rear,which have been stated at the outset of the description, apply to thebottle attachment apparatus which is described here in the preferredexemplary embodiment. The bottle attachment apparatus 1 will always bediscussed in the position which is illustrated in FIG. 1, so as to be ona storage bottle 2 as a preferred example of a storage container, evenwhen said bottle attachment apparatus is not shown in this position inthe individual illustrations.

During operation, the bottle attachment apparatus 1, which isillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is attached to a storage bottle 2. Morespecifically, the bottle attachment apparatus 1 with the aid of afastening assembly 3 is attached to the bottleneck of the storage bottle2. If the bottleneck of the storage bottle 2 has an external thread, thefastening assembly 3 may be a type of annular cap having an internalthread, said annular cap being attached at the bottom of the bottleattachment apparatus 1. However, the fastening assembly 3 may also beconfigured in the form of a stopper-like plug assembly, or can assumeother shapes, It is only essential that the bottle attachment apparatus1 by means of the fastening assembly 3 may be securely fastened to thestorage bottle 2 or to any other matching storage container.

The cylinder-and-piston assembly 5 of the bottle attachment apparatus 1can in each case be seen at the top of FIGS. 1 and 2. The bottleattachment apparatus 1 presently has a cylinder-and-piston assembly 5having an external cylinder housing 5′ which encompasses the cylinder. Amechanical and adjustable stop for the length of the stroke is locatedon said cylinder housing 5′.

A valve block assembly 4 supports the cylinder-and-piston assembly 5,but the former as such according to the preferred teaching here islocated in an external housing 6 of the bottle attachment apparatus 1,that is to say that said valve block assembly 4 is not directlyidentifiable in FIGS. 1 and 2. The fastening assembly 3 as such islocated on the valve block assembly 4 or, as is the case here, on theexternal housing 6.

An exhaust line 7 forwardly protrudes from the external housing 6 of thebottle attachment apparatus 1, said exhaust line 7 in the illustratedexemplary embodiment being disposed and guided in a cantilever-typemount 8 which is of angular design. The exhaust line 7 terminates at atip 9. A mounting lug 10 which holds a closure cap 11, by way of whichthe mouth opening 9′ on the tip 9 may be closed off and protectedagainst dripping liquid, is fastened to the mount 8.

An intake line 12 for liquid extends downward from the valve blockassembly 4, which is hidden in the external housing 6, into the storagebottle 2. Besides the intake line 12, a return flow line 13 throughwhich liquid may be directed back into the storage bottle 2 instead ofthrough the exhaust line 7, if required, can be seen in FIG. 1.

A switching valve 14 which is suitable for returning the flow of liquidinto the storage bottle 2 and which is actuatable by means of a toggle15 on the upper side of the mount 8, here is located outside the valveblock assembly 4 and outside the external housing 6, and in thepreferred exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, is located withinthe mount 8 for the exhaust line 7.

FIG. 2 shows a bottle attachment apparatus 1 in the form of a bottle topdispenser without a switching valve 14, that is to say without the“return dosing” function, which is explained in detail in the prior art(European Patent Application EP 0 542 241 A2). In this case, the returnflow line 13 is normally missing.

FIG. 3 shows the bottle attachment apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 in a sectionalview. Here, the valve block assembly 4 in the external housing 6 is tobe seen initially. The valve block assembly 4 is typically composed ofplastics, in particular of plastics resistant to chemicals. The valveblock assembly 4 has a multiplicity of ducts and installed elements, forwhich reference in detail may be made to the prior art which has beendiscussed at the outset.

The valve block assembly 4 presently shows a valve block 20 and, insofaras is relevant to the purpose of the present invention, an exhaust valveassembly 7′ which in FIG. 3 is attached on the right of the valve block20 of the valve block assembly 4. The valve block 20 has a valvereceptacle 21 which is assigned to the exhaust valve assembly 7′.

It applies to the exhaust valve assembly 7′ and to the other componentsof the bottle attachment apparatus 1 that they should at least largelybe composed of plastics suitable for autoclaving. The samecorrespondingly applies to the valve block 20.

Here, the focus is initially on the design embodiment of the exhaustvalve assembly 7′. The latter initially has a valve housing 22 whichforms a valve chamber 23 having an inlet 24 and an outlet 25. This valvehousing 22 is insertable in the valve receptacle 21 of the valve block20 in a replaceable and sealing manner. In the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 3, the exhaust valve assembly 7′ is installed in thebottle attachment apparatus 1, and the valve housing 22 is inserted inthe valve receptacle 21.

FIG. 4 shows the region of interest of the bottle attachment apparatus 1of FIG. 3, in an enlarged illustration.

It can be seen that an exhaust valve body 26 is disposed at the inlet 24in the valve chamber 23 in the valve housing 22 of the exhaust valveassembly 7′. Accordingly, a safety valve body 27 is disposed at theoutlet 25 in the valve chamber 23. In order for the exhaust valve body26 to be reliably closed under normal circumstances, the exhaust valvebody 26 is biased toward an exhaust valve seat 28, counter to the flowdirection of liquid from the inlet 24 to the outlet 25. In a mannercorresponding thereto, the safety valve body 27 is biased toward asafety valve seat 29, here however in the flow direction of the liquidfrom the inlet 24 to the outlet 25.

As can be derived from FIG. 4, the safety valve body 29 is capable ofbeing lifted off the safety valve seat 29 by plugging a connector end 33of a line which is connected here into the outlet 25 of the valvehousing 22. The assembled construction is illustrated here; the safetyvalve body 27 in this case is thus lifted from the safety valve seat 29.At the same time, the connector end 33 which is plugged into the outlet25 forms a sealing connection to the valve housing 22.

The exemplary embodiment having the switching valve 14, which isillustrated in FIG. 4, displays the connector end 33 on a line piecewhich forms the line to be connected and which protrudes from theswitching valve 14 upstream thereof. As has been narrated in the generalpart of the description, the connector end 33 may however also bedisposed directly on the exhaust line 7 or on another component, as willbe discussed further below.

As is also provided in the prior art, the connector end 33 at the endside is provided in an encircling manner with preferably a plurality ofopenings, such that the liquid which can flow around the safety valvebody 27 which has been lifted from the valve seat 29 may radially flowinto the connector end 33. From there, in the construction which isillustrated in FIG. 4, the liquid flows further either through theswitching valve 14 into the exhaust line 7 adjoining thereto or,diverted in the switching valve 14, back into the return flow line 13.Of course, it is in principle also possible for the switching valve 14to assume a position completely blocking all liquid flow.

Biasing of the respective valve body 26, 27 may be implemented by anymeasures, a tension spring being recommended in particular. To thisextent, the preferred exemplary embodiment illustrated displays adouble-sided action tension spring 34 which impinges both valve bodies26, 27.

The preferred exemplary embodiment illustrated furthermore displays thevalve bodies 26, 27 as valve balls. This corresponds to the prior art ofDE 36 07 139 A1. Valve bodies of a different design, such as valvebodies which are rotation-symmetrical about one axis, are alsoemployable.

The enlarged illustration in FIG. 4 now shows a peculiarity of theexhaust valve assembly 7′ according to the invention, said peculiaritybeing that the safety valve seat 29 is integrally molded on the valvehousing 22. This offers the advantages discussed in the general part ofthe description, since a further sealing point between the safety valveseat 29 and the valve housing 22 is systematically avoided.

At the opposite end which is assigned to the inlet 24, it is preferablyprovided here that the exhaust valve seat 28 is disposed on a valvebushing 35 which is inserted in a sealing manner at the inlet 24 of thevalve housing 22. From this side, the valve housing 22 may be initially“fitted” with the two valve bodies 26, 27 and the tension spring 34. Thevalve housing 22 is then closed off using the valve bushing 35, and maybe inserted into the valve receptacle 21 on the valve block 20.

FIG. 4 also indicates that, in the exemplary embodiment which isillustrated, and to this extent is preferable, the outlet 25 of thevalve housing 22 is embodied as a rotation-symmetrical port, the safetyvalve seat 29 being located at the inner end thereof. This port isassigned a further function which will be discussed in more detailfurther below.

Both the valve block 20 as well as the valve housing 22 here are(largely) composed of plastics which are suitable for autoclaving(sterilizing at high temperatures in excess of 100° C., preferably inexcess of 120° C.). As to details pertaining to various plastics and theabbreviations thereof, reference is made to the respective technicalliterature and to the general catalog of the applicant which has alreadybeen mentioned earlier.

The valve housing 22 has a stop portion 30, a fastening portion 31 whichis distinct therefrom, and a sealing portion 32 which is distinct fromboth the former. The valve receptacle 21 has a matching stop portion 30,fastening portion 31, and sealing portion 32.

As can be seen from FIG. 4, the construction according to the inventionis such that in the case of a valve housing 22 which has been installedin a functionally correct manner, the fastening portions 31 are inforce-transmitting mutual engagement in such a manner that both the stopportions 30 as well as the sealing portions 32 bear on one another in aplanar manner. On account thereof, a large sealing face, which is addedto by the sealing face of stop portions 30 which bear on one another,results in the region of the sealing portions 32.

In the preferred exemplary embodiment illustrated, the valve housing 22and the associated valve receptacle 21 define a longitudinal axis, andthe stop portions 30 run perpendicularly to this longitudinal axis. Inthis way, the stop portions 30 have the optimal stopping effect andposition the valve housing 22 in a dimensionally accurate manner in thevalve block 20. An insertion movement of the valve housing 22 performedin the direction of the longitudinal axis is abruptly terminated whenthe stop portions 30 bear on one another.

It has already been pointed out in the general part of the descriptionthat the stop portions 30 may also be aligned so as to, be slightlyinclined in relation to the longitudinal axis, the maximum angle ofinclination in relation to the perpendicular of the longitudinal axis tothis extent being preferably 10°.

As opposed to the prior art, the sealing function of the valve housing22 in the valve receptacle 21 has in any case been largely moved to thesealing portions 32. The sealing portions 32 in the case of a valvehousing 22 which has been installed in a functionally correct mannershould also bear on one another in a planar manner.

In principle the sealing portions 32 may be disposed on the externalface of the valve housing 22 and on the internal face of the valvereceptacle 21, respectively, so as to be parallel with the longitudinalaxis. In this case, the precise manufacturing of the valve housing 22has to be relied on in order for an adequate sealing effect to resulthere. Improved construction variants are discussed further below.

The preferred exemplary embodiment illustrated for the construction ofthe valve housing 22 shows that the stop portion 30 on the valve housing22 is disposed on the front end of the valve housing 22 that is locatedin the valve receptacle 21, that the sealing portion 32 is disposed inthe direction of the opposite, rear end of the valve housing 22, so asto adjoin the stop portion 30, and that the fastening portion 31 isdisposed in the direction of the rear end of the valve housing 22, so asto adjoin the sealing portion 32.

It has already been pointed out in the general part of the descriptionthat in principle a variant in which the stop portions 30 may bedisposed between the fastening portions 31 and the sealing portions 32,or may even be entirely disposed at the front end, even ahead of thefastening portions 31, may be chosen. However, in the construction whichis illustrated in FIG. 4, the sealing effect of the stop portions 30,which is already present in the prior art, results, on account of whichthe sealing effect of the sealing portions 32 which are primarilyresponsible for sealing is supported.

The preferred exemplary embodiment illustrated furthermore displays aparticularly expedient construction in the form of the alignment of thesealing portions 32. The sealing effect is optimized in that the sealingportions 32 are aligned at an acute angle in relation to thelongitudinal axis, preferably at an angle between 1° and 20°,particularly preferably at an angle between 2° and 10°, and in theembodiment shown at an angle of 2.5° in relation to the longitudinalaxis. While the stop portions 30 in the preferred exemplary embodimentillustrated are aligned so as to be exactly perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the valve housing 22, the sealing portions 32 arenot aligned so as to be exactly parallel with the longitudinal axis, butare at an acute angle thereto.

Assuming a rotation-symmetrical embodiment of the valve housing 22 andof the valve receptacle 21, this corresponding to a preferredconstruction, this means that the sealing portions 32 are configured ina truncated-cone shape.

The components which bear on one another during autoclaving areelastically and plastically deformed on the sealing portions 32(typically by less than 1 mm, for example by about 0.4 mm). Staticredundant dimensioning results, which according to the invention isutilized in a targeted manner for guaranteeing optimal sealing of thevalve housing 22 in the valve receptacle 22, even following a pluralityof passes during autoclaving.

The preferred exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 on account ofthe scale does not let it be seen that according to a preferred teachingof the invention, the angle of the sealing portion 32 on the valvereceptacle 21 in relation to the longitudinal axis may be up to 2.5°larger than the angle of the sealing portion 32 on the valve housing 22.In this way, the sealing portion 32 on the valve housing 22 initiallytouches the sealing portion 32 on the valve receptacle 21 only by way oflinear contact. If force is exerted by the fastening portions 31 in thedirection of the longitudinal axis, the linear contact by way ofdeformation of the sealing portions 32 is transformed into a planarcontact. Over time, accelerated in particular by high temperatures as inautoclaving, successive completion of the planar contact and thusreliable sealing across the sealing portions 32 is performed.

Where the sealing portions 32 are aligned at an acute angle in relationto the longitudinal axis, the stop portions 30 may also be dispensedwith, which however is not illustrated here. Said stop portions 30 mayeither be mutually spaced apart or be entirely deleted. On account ofthe truncated-cone shaped design of the sealing portions 32, the effectof a stop is likewise implemented.

FIG. 4 shows a further construction peculiarity of the preferredexemplary embodiment illustrated of a valve block assembly 4. It isspecifically provided here that the sealing portion 32 on the valvereceptacle 21 of the exhaust valve assembly 7′ is configured on a wallon the valve block 20, said wall here being preferably free-standing. Inthe preferred exemplary embodiment illustrated, the wall has a uniformwall thickness, the latter preferably being 1 mm to 4 mm, in particular2 mm, as is illustrated. This results in optimum flexibility in orderfor adapted deformation of the wall and thus of the sealing portion 32on the wall to be achieved.

A targeted design embodiment as on the valve block 20 is also providedaccording to a preferred teaching in a corresponding manner on the valvehousing 22. To this end, it is provided according to a preferredteaching that the sealing portion 32 on the valve housing 22 isconfigured on a wall of the valve housing 22, said wall here beingpreferably free-standing. The preferred exemplary embodiment illustratedshows the wall of the valve housing 22 close to the stop portion 30being somewhat thinner than close to the fastening portion 31. However,overall attention has been paid to the thickness of the wall of thevalve housing 22 not being greater than the thickness of the wall of thevalve block 20 in the region of the sealing portions 32.

As is already practiced in the prior art, it is particularly preferablyprovided according to the invention that here in any case componentswhich are manufactured in the plastics injection-molding method arelargely employed. Fluoropolymers are typical examples of plastics whichmay be used here.

As has already been repeatedly illustrated here, the focus is on atargeted deformation, which is as minimal as possible, of the componentson the sealing portions 32, while having a corresponding planar bearingon the stop portions 30. This still is to be so effective afterautoclaving or repeated autoclaving that sealing of the valve housing 22in the valve receptacle 21 is not compromised.

In order for the desired result to be optimized, a further preferreddesign embodiment which is wherein both the plastics of the valve block20 as well as the plastics of the valve housing 22 have a tensilestrength of in excess of 12 MPa at 120° C. (EN ISO 12086) isrecommended. The limit of the tensile strength at 120° C. is intended toguarantee that adequate residual elasticity is retained even afterrepeated autoclaving. In conjunction with the smart arrangement of thesealing portions 32, the result according to the invention is achievedin a particularly expedient manner.

Furthermore, an adapted pairing of materials for the plastics of thecomponents bearing on one another may be implemented. To this end, it isrecommended that the plastics of the valve block 20 have a tensilestrength (measured at 23° C.) which is higher by 40% to 100% than theplastics of the valve housing 22. In one preferred exemplary embodimentwhich fulfills this construction requirement, the valve block 20 iscomposed of fluoropolymer (min. temperature: 150° C., elasticity modulusat 23° C.: 500-1100 MPa). In this case, an adequate fluoropolymer forthe valve housing 22 is for example (max. temperature: 250° C.,elasticity modulus at 23° C.: 400-700 MPa).

It is achieved according to the invention that the valve block assembly4 does not need to be disassembled for autoclaving.

The preferred exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 shows that thefastening portions 31 are embodied as mutually engaging screw threadportions. This is the preferred design embodiment which enablesparticularly sensitive insertion of the valve housing 22 into the valvereceptacle 21. Alternatives include, for example, a bayonet connectionor a short-stroke collet. However, in terms of impinging the sealingportions 32 with force, these two alternatives are not as precise as athread connection.

To this end, a particularly preferred design embodiment is recommendedin such a manner that an actuation portion having force-engagingelements for actuating the fastening portion is disposed on the valvehousing, so as to adjoin the fastening portion. Moreover, the valvehousing 22 here on the outlet 25, which has been extended in a port-likemanner, may also be provided with a stop 40 which interacts with alongitudinal stop 38 on the connector end 33.

A further construction peculiarity which is of independent innovativerelevance results from FIG. 4 in such a manner that the connector end 33is provided with a support collar 36 which surrounds this connector end33 in a concentric manner. In the assembled state as shown here, therotation-symmetrical port, which is formed by the outlet 25 of the valvehousing 22 and on the inner end of which the safety valve seat 29 islocated, is between the connector end 33 and the support collar 36.Joining the connector end 33 into the outlet 25 is more reliable onaccount of the support collar 36 which is likewise push-fitted onto therotation-symmetrical port which is formed by the connector end 33.Moreover, the external contour of the connector end 33, which isprovided as a sealing face, is protected against damage by thesurrounding support collar 36. This is particularly advantageous, sincethe end-side openings on the connector end 33, which have been describedabove, cause the end of the connector end 33 to become relativelyunstable. Without protection by the support collar 36, thecorrespondingly delicate connector end 33 could be easily deformed,compromising the function thereof.

Sealing of the connector end 33 in the outlet 25 according to theinvention is further improved in the exemplary embodiment in thatradially encircling sealing beads 37 are molded externally on theconnector end 33. Each sealing bead 37 constitutes a discrete seal. Onaccount of the plurality of sealing beads 37, the overall sealing effectis optimized. Excellent sealing is maintained even when consideringrepeated disassembling and assembling of the exhaust valve assembly 7′by an operator.

The design embodiment having the support collar 36 furthermore makes itpossible that the support collar 36, as has also been illustrated here,has a longitudinal stop 38 for the connector end 33. The insertionlength of the connector end 33 in the outlet 25 is delimited by way ofthis longitudinal stop 38, which is configured here and preferably on agrading of the support collar 36, in conjunction with the stop 40. Theconnector end 33 then only projects into the safety valve seat 29 so faras is required for the liquid to flow around the end-side openings. Forexample, an undercut at this point, which is difficult to ventilate, maybe avoided on account thereof. Overall handling is very user friendlyand functionally reliable. Moreover, a high level of tightness results.

Guiding and protection are particularly resistant to bending loads whenthe support collar 36 at the end side protrudes in an upstream directionbeyond the connector end 33.

A construction in which no switching valve 14 is provided may be seen inFIG. 5. A further particular teaching of the invention may be derivedfrom a comparison of FIGS. 4 and 5, said teaching relating to an exhaustline assembly 7″. The position of the exhaust line assembly 7″ in FIG. 3has been marked. The position of the exhaust valve assembly 7′ and theposition of the exhaust line assembly 7″ are also indicated in FIGS. 4and 5.

It initially applies in equal measures to FIGS. 4 and 5 that the valveblock 20 of the valve block assembly 4 is prepared for return dosing. Tothis end, a return flow duct 41 which terminates in a return flow inlet42 is provided in the valve block 20. In both cases, the return flowline 13 also protrudes downward from the valve block 20 in FIGS. 4 and5, despite not being required in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, having the switching valve 14,the connector end 33 which is plug-fitted in the outlet 25 of the valvehousing 22 is disposed upstream on the switching valve 14. Analternative would be constituted by a kinematically reversedconstruction, having a connector end which is push-fitted onto an outletof the valve housing.

Additionally, a return flow connector 43 which is plug-fittable into areturn flow inlet 42 of the valve block 20 (or is push-fittable thereonin the alternative) is located upstream on the switching valve 14. Thisconstruction corresponds to the switching valve 14 in an exhaust lineassembly 7″ of the prior art.

The peculiarity of the construction according to the invention now liesin that a similar line assembly is nevertheless provided in the interiorof the exhaust line assembly 7″, even when no switching valve 14 isprovided. To this end, FIG. 5 shows that, in this case, the exhaust lineassembly 7″ has a line adaptor 44 which is disposed ahead of the exhaustline 7 in the flow direction of the liquid. The exhaust line 7 isconnected to said line adaptor 44 so as to be downstream, while theconnector end 33 which is plug-fitted into the outlet 25 of the valvehousing 22 (or is push-fitted thereon), and the return flow connector 43which is plug-fitted into the return flow inlet 42 of the valve block 20(or is push-fitted thereon) are disposed upstream. The peculiarity inthis case lies in that the connector end 33 in the line adaptor 44 ispermanently connected to the exhaust line 7 which is connecteddownstream, and in that the return flow connector 43 is closed. Thelatter is embodied as a blind connector, such that the return flow inlet42 of the valve block 20 is closed off therewith.

As is mentioned above, the subject matter of the invention is also acomplete valve block assembly 4, an exhaust valve assembly 7′ accordingto the invention being then assigned thereto. To this extent, the designof the stop portions 30, fastening portions 31, and sealing portions 32is of particular interest. This assembly has been described in detailfurther above, and reference may be made thereto.

It can be derived from the illustration in the preceding narrative thatthe teaching of the invention is not only relevant to the functionalgroup of an exhaust valve assembly 7′, but may also be implementable ina valve block assembly 4 which comprises an exhaust valve assembly 7′.Furthermore, the teaching of the invention is also relevant to acorresponding exhaust line assembly 7″, as has been explained above indetail.

Finally, the teaching of the invention is also relevant to an overallbottle attachment apparatus 1 for handling liquids, in which an exhaustvalve assembly 7′ according to the invention and/or an exhaust lineassembly 7″ according to the invention and/or a valve block assembly 4according to the invention are provided.

Furthermore, a peculiarity which further contributes toward userfriendliness and simple handling for the complete bottle attachmentapparatus 1, which here is illustrated in the assembled state, canfurther be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. The focus is on the fact that theexhaust line assembly 7″ is attached to the valve block assembly 4and/or to the external housing 6 in a replaceable manner and forwardlyprotrudes from the valve block assembly 4 and/or from the externalhousing 6, that the exhaust line assembly 7″ has a cantilever-type mount8 and an exhaust line 7 which is disposed and guided in the mount 8, andthat the mount 8 is releasably attached, preferably by means of aform-fitting connection, to the valve block assembly 4 and/or to theexternal housing 6.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the bottle attachment apparatus 1 with the mount 8removed. Also illustrated are connection elements 45 which are in eachcase positioned in a matching manner. The latter are embodied asform-fitting elements. The construction according to the invention inFIGS. 6 and 7 displays the connection elements 45 as hooks and matchingclearances which mutually engage in a vertical manner.

The preferred exemplary embodiment illustrated by means of FIG. 5further shows that the mount 8 is connected to the switching valve 14 orto the line adaptor 44, respectively, in a form-fitting but movable (andpreferably also releasable) manner. The line adaptor 44 here, on theexternal side thereof, has guide elements 46 in the form of verticallyaligned ribs which are vertically bordered by guide webs in the mount 8,as is illustrated in FIG. 5. This may be similarly implemented on theswitching valve 14 (FIG. 4).

In particular, it may be provided in the construction of the exhaustline assembly 7″ according to the invention that the mount 8 in relationto the switching valve 14 or to the line adaptor 44 is attachable in twovertically dissimilar positions, namely in an upper position in whichthe mount 8 is displaceable up to the external housing 6, and a lowerposition in which the mount 8 is connected to the external housing 6 soas to be form-fitting in the horizontal direction.

Finally, a few construction peculiarities of the exemplary embodimentillustrated are to be noted by means of the drawing, i.e., FIGS. 4 and5.

The switching valve 14 or the line adaptor 44 has a receptacle 44′ forthe exhaust line 7 which is to be connected downstream, said receptacle44′ preferably being embodied as an inner taper.

The mount 8 in relation to the switching valve 14 or the line adaptor44, once attached thereto, is displaceable only in the verticaldirection between the two positions thereof. According to one preferreddesign embodiment, the mount 8 is latchable in both vertical positionson the switching valve 14 or on the line adaptor 44, respectively. Thelatching positions preferably assist an assembly procedure of theexhaust line assembly 7″ on the valve block assembly 4 in such a mannerthat the mount 8 is located in a defined position in relation to theexternal housing 6 when the switching valve 14 or the line adaptor 44,respectively, is plugged onto the valve block 20 having the outlet 25and the return flow valve 42.

The return flow inlet 42 on the valve block 20 in FIGS. 4 and 5 isembodied so as to laterally protrude extensively. On account thereof,the return flow inlet 42 which is likewise composed of plastics, has acertain flexibility such that the return flow connector 43 may bereadily plug-fitted or push-fitted.

For an embodiment of the exhaust line assembly 7″ having a switchingvalve 14 and a toggle 15, in place of the toggle 15, the mount 8 may beof a different design embodiment than in the embodiment of the exhaustline assembly 7″ having a line adaptor 44. However, it may also beprovided that the mount 8 has the same design embodiment, but at theopening for the toggle 15, which is provided in the embodiment having aswitching valve 14, is closed off by a cover.

The mount 8 in relation to the switching valve 14 or the line adaptor44, respectively, in the lower position which is the operating positionmay be latched to the external housing 6 and/or to the valve blockassembly 4. A connection to the external housing 6 in the case of themount 8 is recommended such that the walls of the latter are externallyguided by the external housing 6.

As has already been discussed in the general part of the description,the mount 8 as a structural component offers further improvement ofoperability. The liquid-conducting connections may be largely kept freefrom bending momentums in the case of this construction.

This description uses examples to disclose the invention including thebest mode enabling any person skilled in the art to make and use theinvention. The patentable scope of the invention, however, is defined bythe claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilledin the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope ofthe claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from theliteral language of the claims, or if they include structural elementsequivalent to the structural elements covered by the literal language ofthe claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exhaust valve assembly for a bottle attachmentapparatus for handling liquids, comprising: a cylinder-and-pistonassembly for suctioning and exhausting liquid, a valve block assembly,and a fastening assembly for fastening the valve block assembly on astorage bottle, wherein the valve block assembly has a valve block andan exhaust valve assembly, and the valve block a valve receptacleassociated with the exhaust valve assembly, wherein the exhaust valveassembly has a valve housing which forms a valve chamber having an inletand an outlet, and which is insertable into the valve receptacle in areplaceable and sealing manner, an exhaust valve body which is disposedon the inlet in the valve chamber, and a safety valve body which isdisposed on the outlet in the valve chamber, wherein the exhaust valvebody is biased toward an exhaust valve seat, counter to a flow directionof the liquid from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the safety valvebody is biased toward a safety valve seat in the flow direction of theliquid from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the safety valve body isliftable off of the safety valve seat by plugging a connector end of aline to be connected into the outlet of the valve housing, and whereinthe safety valve seat is integrally molded on the valve housing.
 2. Theexhaust valve assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a double-sidedaction tension spring is provided for both valve bodies.
 3. The exhaustvalve assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve bodies areembodied as valve balls.
 4. The exhaust valve assembly as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the exhaust valve seat is disposed on a valve bushingwhich is inserted in a sealing manner at the inlet of the valve housing.5. The exhaust valve assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outletof the valve housing is a rotation-symmetrical port, the safety valveseat being located at an inner end thereof.
 6. The exhaust valveassembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve housing has a stopportion, a fastening portion which is distinct the stop portion, and asealing portion which is distinct from both the stop and fasteningportions.
 7. The exhaust valve assembly as claimed in claim 6, whereinthe stop portion is disposed on a front end of the valve housing and atwhich the inlet is located, wherein the sealing portion is disposed in adirection of an opposite end of the valve housing and at which theoutlet is located, so as to adjoin the stop portion, and wherein thefastening portion is disposed farther in the direction of the oppositeend of the valve housing, so as to also adjoin the sealing portion. 8.The exhaust valve assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the valvehousing by way of the valve chamber thereof defines a longitudinal axis,and the sealing portion is aligned at an acute angle in relation to thelongitudinal axis.
 9. The exhaust valve assembly as claimed in claim 8,the sealing portion is configured in a truncated-cone shape.
 10. Theexhaust valve assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fasteningportion comprises a screw thread portion having an external thread. 11.The exhaust valve assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein an actuationportion having force-engaging elements for actuating the fasteningportion is disposed on the valve housing so as to adjoin the fasteningportion.
 12. The exhaust valve assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein astop for the connector end is disposed on the valve housing so as toadjoin the fastening portion.
 13. The exhaust valve assembly as claimedin claim 1, wherein both the valve block and the exhaust valve assemblyare at least largely composed of a plastic which is suitable fortreatment in an autoclave.
 14. An exhaust line assembly for a bottleattachment apparatus for handling liquids, comprising: acylinder-and-piston assembly for suctioning and exhausting liquid, avalve block assembly, and a fastening assembly for fastening the valveblock assembly on a storage bottle, wherein the valve block assembly hasa valve block and an exhaust valve assembly, and the valve block has avalve receptacle which is assigned to the exhaust valve assembly, andwherein a return flow duct is provided that terminates in a return flowinlet in the valve block, wherein the exhaust valve assembly has a valvehousing which forms a valve chamber having an inlet and an outlet, andwhich is insertable into the valve receptacle of the valve block in areplaceable and sealing manner, wherein the exhaust line assembly has atone of: an exhaust line, and a switching valve which is disposedupstream of the exhaust line in a liquid flow direction and to which theexhaust line is connected downstream, and in which a connector end isplug- or push-fittable into the outlet of the valve housing, and areturn flow connector is plug- or push-fittable into the return flowinlet of the valve block and are disposed on the switching valve so asto be upstream thereof and a line adaptor which is disposed upstream ofthe exhaust line in the liquid flow direction and to which the exhaustline is connected downstream, and in which a connector end is plug- orpush-fittable into the outlet of the valve housing, and a return flowconnector is plug or push-fittable into or onto the return flow inlet ofthe valve block said return flow inlet and are disposed on the lineadaptor so as to be upstream thereof, wherein the connector end in theline adaptor is connected to the exhaust line which is connecteddownstream, and wherein the return flow connector is a closed blindconnector by way of which the return flow inlet of the valve block isclosable.
 15. The exhaust line assembly as claimed in claim. 14, whereinthe connector end is plug-finable into the outlet of the valve housingand when plug-fitted extends up to the safety valve seat in such amanner that the valve body is lifted from the safety valve seat.
 16. Theexhaust line assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein both the valveblock and the exhaust valve assembly are at least largely made of aplastic which is suitable for treatment in an autoclave.
 17. The exhaustline assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the exhaust line assemblyhas a cantilever mount which is attachable to the valve block assemblyand in which the exhaust line for the liquid is disposed and guided. 18.The exhaust line assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the exhaustvalve assembly has an exhaust valve body which is disposed on the inletin the valve chamber, and a safety valve body which is disposed on theoutlet in the valve chamber, wherein the exhaust valve body is biasedtoward an exhaust valve seat, counter to the liquid flow direction fromthe inlet to the outlet, wherein the safety valve body is biased towarda safety valve seat in the liquid flow direction of the liquid from theinlet to the outlet, wherein the safety valve body is liftable off ofthe safety valve seat by plugging a connector end of a line to beconnected into the outlet of the valve housing, and wherein the safetyvalve seat is integrally molded on the valve housing.
 19. The exhaustline assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein a double-sided actiontension spring is provided for both valve bodies.
 20. An exhaust lineassembly for a bottle attachment apparatus for handling liquids,comprising: a cylinder-and-piston assembly for suctioning and exhaustingliquid, a valve block assembly, and a fastening assembly for fasteningthe valve block assembly on a storage bottle, wherein the valve blockassembly has a valve block and an exhaust valve assembly, and the valveblock has a valve receptacle which is assigned to the exhaust valveassembly, wherein the exhaust valve assembly has a valve housing whichforms a valve chamber having an inlet and an outlet, and which isinsertable in the valve receptacle of the valve block in an replaceableand sealing manner, wherein the exhaust line assembly has an exhaustline, wherein the exhaust line assembly has a connector end of a line tobe connected which is plug- or push fittable in a sealing manner into oronto the outlet of the valve housing of the exhaust valve assembly,wherein the connector end is provided with a support collar whichsurrounds the connector end in a concentric manner, and wherein in thecase of an assembled exhaust line assembly, a port which is formed bythe outlet of the valve housing is located between the connector end anda support collar surrounding the connector end.
 21. The exhaust lineassembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein radially encircling sealingbeads are molded externally on the connector end.
 22. The exhaust lineassembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein the support collar has alongitudinal stop which interacts with the stop.
 23. The exhaust lineassembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein the support collar protrudesbeyond the connector end.
 24. The exhaust line assembly as claimed inclaim 20, wherein the exhaust line assembly has a cantilever mount whichis attachable to the valve block assembly and in which the exhaust linefor the liquid is disposed and guided.
 25. The exhaust line assembly asclaimed in claim 20, wherein the exhaust line assembly has one of: aswitching valve which is disposed upstream of the exhaust line in theliquid flow direction and to which the exhaust line is connecteddownstream, and in which a connector end is plug- or push fittable intoor onto the outlet of the valve housing, and wherein a return flowconnector is plug- or push-fittable into or onto the return flow inletof the valve block and is disposed on the switching valve so as to beupstream thereof, and a line adaptor which in the liquid flow directionis disposed upstream of the exhaust line and to which the exhaust lineis connected downstream, and in which a connector end is plug- orpush-fittable into or onto the outlet of the valve housing, and a returnflow connector is plug- or push fittable into the return flow inlet ofthe valve block and is disposed on the line adaptor so as to be upstreamthereof, wherein the connector end in the line adaptor is connected tothe exhaust line which is connected downstream, and wherein the returnflow connector is a closed blind connector by way of which the returnflow inlet of the valve block is closable.
 26. A valve block assemblyfor a bottle attachment apparatus for handling liquids, wherein thebottle attachment apparatus has a cylinder-and-piston assembly forsuctioning and exhausting liquid, a valve block assembly, and afastening assembly for fastening the valve block assembly on a storagebottle, comprising: a valve block and an exhaust valve assembly, whereinthe valve block has a valve receptacle which is assigned to the exhaustvalve assembly, wherein the exhaust valve assembly has a valve housingwhich forms a valve chamber having an inlet and an outlet, and which isinsertable into the valve receptacle of the valve block in a replaceableand sealing manner, wherein the valve housing has a stop portion, afastening portion which is separate from the stop portion, and a sealingportion which is separate from both the stop portion and the fasteningportion, wherein the valve receptacle has a stop portion, a fasteningportion, and a sealing portion matching the stop portion, fasteningportion, and sealing portion of the valve housing, and wherein thefastening portions are in force-transmitting mutual engagement in such amanner that both the stop portions and the sealing portions bear on oneanother in a planar manner.
 27. The valve block assembly as claimed inclaim 26, wherein the valve receptacle and the valve housing define alongitudinal axis, and the angle of the sealing portion on the valvereceptacle in relation to the longitudinal axis is up to 2.5° largerthan the angle of the sealing portion on the valve housing in relationto the longitudinal axis.
 28. The valve block assembly as claimed inclaim 26, wherein both the valve block and the exhaust valve assemblyare at least largely composed of a plastic suitable for treatment in anautoclave.
 29. A bottle attachment apparatus for handling liquids,comprising: a cylinder-and-piston assembly for suctioning and exhaustingliquid, a valve block assembly, and a fastening assembly for fasteningthe the valve block assembly on a storage bottle, wherein the valveblock assembly has a valve block and an exhaust valve assembly, and thevalve block has a valve receptacle which is assigned to the exhaustvalve assembly, wherein the exhaust valve assembly comprises at leastone of: a valve housing which forms a valve chamber having an inlet andan outlet, and which is insertable into the valve receptacle in areplaceable and sealing manner, an exhaust valve body which is disposedon the inlet in the valve chamber, and a safety valve body which isdisposed on the outlet in the valve chamber, the exhaust valve bodybeing biased toward an exhaust valve seat, counter to a liquid flowdirection from the inlet to the outlet, the safety valve body beingbiased toward a safety valve seat in the liquid flow direction of theliquid from the inlet to the outlet, and the safety valve body liftableoff of the safety valve seat by plugging a connector end of a line to beconnected into the outlet of the valve housing, the safety valve seatbeing integrally molded on the valve housing, wherein the exhaust valveassembly of the bottle attachment apparatus has a valve housing whichforms a valve chamber having an inlet and an outlet, and which isinsertable into the valve receptacle of the valve block in a replaceableand sealing manner, and there is provided an exhaust line assembly withan exhaust line, a switching valve which is disposed upstream of theexhaust line in the liquid flow direction and to which the exhaust lineis connected downstream, and in which a connector end is plug- orpush-fittable into or onto the outlet of the valve housing, and a returnflow connector is plug- or push-fittable into or onto the return flowinlet of the valve block and is disposed on the switching valve so as tobe upstream thereof, a line adaptor which is disposed upstream of theexhaust line in the liquid flow direction and to which the exhaust lineis connected downstream, and in which a connector end which is plug- orpush-fittable into or onto the outlet of the valve housing, and a returnflow connector which is plug- or push fittable into or onto the returnflow inlet of the valve block so as to be upstream thereof, wherein theconnector end in the line adaptor is connected to the exhaust line whichis connected downstream, and wherein the return flow connector is aclosed blind connector by way of which the return flow inlet of thevalve block is closable, and a valve housing which forms a valve chamberhaving an inlet and an outlet, and which is insertable into the valvereceptacle of the valve block in a replaceable and sealing manner,wherein the valve housing has a stop portion, a fastening portion whichis from the stop portion, and a sealing portion which is distinct fromboth the stop portion and the fastening portion, wherein the valvereceptacle assigned to the exhaust valve assembly has stop portion,fastening portion, and sealing portion matching the stop portion,fastening portion, and sealing portion of the valve housing, and thefastening portions are in force-transmitting mutual engagement in such amanner that both the stop portions as well as the sealing portions bearon one another in a planar manner.
 30. The bottle attachment apparatusas claimed in claim 29, wherein the exhaust line assembly is attached tothe valve block assembly in a replaceable manner and forwardly protrudesfrom the valve block assembly, wherein the exhaust line assembly has acantilever mount and an exhaust line which is disposed and guided in themount, and wherein the mount is releasably attached to the valve blockassembly.
 31. The bottle attachment apparatus as claimed in claim 30,wherein the mount of the exhaust line assembly is connected to one ofthe switching valve and the line adaptor in a form-fitting but movablemanner.
 32. The bottle attachment apparatus as claimed in claim 31,wherein the mount in relation to the switching valve or to the lineadaptor is attachable in an upper position in which the mount isdisplaceable up to the external housing, and a lower position in whichthe mount is connected to the external housing so as to be form-fittingin the horizontal direction.